← Return to Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) Distal Radius Recovery

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@geedub Ouch! My daughter went through this four years ago after smashing her wrist and the tip of her ulna in a fall.
Recovery is Looong... and often painful. She was also unable to use opioids and most NSAIDS, so ICE, Ice, ice was he constant companion - for many months.
At three weeks, the incisions have barely begun to heal, and certainly not the bones themselves.

Here are some things that helped her - ice, elevation (keeping arm/wrist above heart level at all times) and making sure the wraps and bandages were not too tight (we had to work with her to adjust them many times.)

At night, she slept with her arm cradled in soft pillows and covered in ice packs. She also used red light therapy ( a prescribed unit to make sure it is the correct wave length) and it helped a little.

Not trying to be "Debbie Downer" here, but it was nearly 3 months before she was out of pain most of the time. She used guided meditation and self-hypnosis to help her relax.

Have you talked to the surgeon about any other possible strategies? Maybe a referral to a pain management clinic to help you through this tough time?

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Replies to "@geedub Ouch! My daughter went through this four years ago after smashing her wrist and the..."

@sueinmn thanks for your suggestions! I appreciate the thoughts! Did she take the cast off for the icing process? How frequently did she use the red light?
Thanks again.